Description
The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, Armenia on April 15, 2015 with the help of generous donors. The center, which provides 150 children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support, has since been a source of positivity in this city. The residents of Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city, have endured very devastating realities since the tragic 1988 Spitak Earthquake. More than 100,000 residents were left homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty for years to come. In turn, the fate of children in Gyumri has also been affected. Dealing with the difficulty of finding means to feed and care for their families, many parents are unable to provide their children with the proper guidance, supervision, educational aid and the financial resources for them to excel in school and have successful futures. Furthermore, freezing temperatures and extreme poverty have created humanitarian crisis in Gyumri as well.
One very important need, especially during the winter, is winter coats. Sponsorship towards this effort will ensure that 150 children attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center will receive warm winter coats. Dustin Hochmuth, a SERVICE Armenia 2017 participant will lead the effort in raising funds. He was able to meet the children and witness the difficult living conditions in Gyumri this summer and wants to help! With these warm winter coats these children will be able to stay healthy, and be able to continue to attend school.
Gallery Images
The Need
After the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, more than 100,000 residents were left homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty for years to come. In turn, the fate of children in Gyumri has also been affected. Dealing with the difficulty of finding means to feed and care for their families, many parents are unable to provide their children not only with the proper guidance, supervision, educational aid and the financial resources for them to excel in school and have successful futures, but also with some basic humanitarian needs. Children are in need of warm winter coats to combat the freezing temperatures and extreme winter in Gyumri.
Short Term Impact
In the short-term the 150 children who attend the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, will receive warm winter coats. The coats will be purchased from Armenia, which will benefit their economy.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, children will be able to stay warm, combat Gyurmi’s harsh winters, become sick less and stay in school.
Sponsors Benefits
Your donation to sponsor winter coats for the children at Debi Arach will be recognized with a plaque at the Center and on the Center’s website and in their printed materials. Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will proudly arrange a visit to the Debi Arach Children’s Center when you are in Armenia.
Our Donors (31)
- Mr. Manuk Avedikyan $25 Dec 8, 2017
- Mr. Dustin Hochmuth $100 Dec 8, 2017
- Mr. Sylvia Moskovitz $25 Dec 8, 2017
- Mr. & Mrs. Gevik & Paola Baghdassarian $100 Dec 8, 2017
- Ms. Gloria Sefton $50 Dec 8, 2017
- Mr. & Mrs. George & Tamar Mashigian $25 Dec 8, 2017
- Mr. & Mrs. Scott & Kristen Bert $25 Dec 8, 2017
Updates: Images & Information
The winter coats were distributed to 150 children at the Debi Arach Children’s Center with the help of our Journey Through Armenia group including Dustin’s mother, Jeanne Papazian.